Tsavorite Garnet Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Tsavorite (sometimes called tsavolite) is the emerald green-colored variety of grossular garnet. First discovered in Tanzania in 1967, the gem became popular via a marketing campaign by Tiffany & Co. in the 1970s. With emerald-like color, tsavorite is one of the most popular and expensive varieties of garnet. This gemstone can be faceted into many designs and can be used in rings, pendants, necklaces, and earrings.

Tsavorite Value

Clean, quality tsavorite, rough or faceted, is not difficult to find. However, pieces over two carats are rare, and the price per carat jumps at that size. Stones up to one carat are common.

Comments

Tsavorite receives its prized green color from traces of vanadium (principally) and chromium. Although these gemstones have color that rivals emeralds, they have a higher dispersion and greater brilliance than emeralds and can match their hardness, usually without inclusions. Tsavorites generally do not require protective jewelry settings.

Tsavorite from Lualenyi, Kenya has N = 1.743 and specific gravity of 3.61 (mean). Inert in UV light, it contains a trace of chromium and a significant amount of vanadium.

Sources

Sizes

Clean gems over one carat are rare. However, in 2006, a tsavorite crystal weighing 925 cts (185 g) was discovered in Tanzania. It yielded an oval, brilliant step-cut 325-ct gem. This is likely the largest clean specimen ever discovered.